Question 1

How long does treatment usually take?

Accepted Answer

It varies by symptoms and condition, but treatment for 4–8 weeks is typically recommended.

Question 2

Are there precautions after Korean medicine treatment?

Accepted Answer

Avoid intense exercise, alcohol, and saunas on the day of treatment.

Question 3

Can pregnant women receive Korean medicine treatment?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we offer treatments selected to be safe for pregnant women. Acupuncture and safe herbal prescriptions are available for back pain, morning sickness, edema during pregnancy. Please inform us of your pregnancy in advance.

Question 4

What are the effects of cupping?

Accepted Answer

It promotes blood circulation, relaxes muscles, and relieves pain.

Question 5

When is moxibustion used?

Accepted Answer

It is effective for cold-type conditions such as cold sensitivity, indigestion, and weakened immunity.

Question 6

Can I receive physical therapy as well?

Accepted Answer

Yes, physical therapy can be combined with acupuncture treatment.

Question 7

How long do cupping marks last?

Accepted Answer

Cupping marks usually fade within 3–7 days. Darker marks indicate more severe blood stasis or circulation issues in that area, and tend to lighten as treatment progresses.

Question 8

Is there a burn risk with moxibustion?

Accepted Answer

Modern moxibustion mainly uses indirect moxa, so the burn risk is very low. If you feel too hot during treatment, please tell us immediately and we will adjust.

Question 9

Are physical therapy and Korean medicine more effective together?

Accepted Answer

Yes, combining physical therapy (electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc.) with acupuncture and cupping doubles pain relief and muscle relaxation effects. Geummaek designs combined treatments based on patient condition.

Question 10

Are Korean medicine treatments covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, basic Korean medicine treatments such as acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion are covered by national health insurance.

Question 11

Is Korean medicine covered by supplemental insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most supplemental insurance plans cover Korean medicine fees. Acupuncture, cupping, chuna, herbal medicine, and other items with medical receipts are claimable. Detailed conditions vary by insurer; please confirm.

Question 12

How much is the first consultation?

Accepted Answer

First-visit pulse diagnosis and consultation are covered by health insurance. Additional treatments (acupuncture, cupping, chuna, etc.) are mostly covered too; herbal prescriptions are separate. Exact costs are explained at your visit.

Question 13

Can I pay for herbal medicine by card?

Accepted Answer

Yes, credit card, debit card, and cash all accepted. Interest-free installments are also available, please feel free to ask.

Question 14

What is Chuna therapy?

Accepted Answer

It is a treatment where a Korean medicine doctor uses hands or body to correct bone and muscle imbalances.

Question 15

What is Doin (Korean medicine rehab exercise)?

Accepted Answer

It is a therapeutic exercise method based on Korean medicine principles.

Question 16

Does Chuna therapy hurt?

Accepted Answer

Some pressure may be felt during joint and muscle correction in Chuna therapy, but the pain is not severe. The intensity is adjusted to your condition.

Question 17

Is Chuna therapy covered by health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Chuna therapy is covered by health insurance. If diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition you can receive insurance coverage and only pay the patient share.

Question 18

Are there precautions after Chuna therapy?

Accepted Answer

On the day of treatment, please avoid intense exercise or lifting heavy objects. The corrected joints need time to stabilize. Light stretching can help.

Question 19

Does acupuncture hurt?

Accepted Answer

The needles used in acupuncture are very thin, so most patients feel little to no pain.

Question 20

What is pharmacopuncture?

Accepted Answer

It is a treatment that injects refined herbal compounds into acupoints.

Question 21

I have a bruise after acupuncture, is it okay?

Accepted Answer

Minor bruising sometimes occurs after acupuncture but is a natural reaction. It usually fades within 3–5 days and does not affect treatment efficacy. If you bruise easily, please let us know in advance.

Question 22

How often should I receive acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the symptom, but typically 3 times a week to daily during the acute phase, and 1–3 times a week for chronic conditions. Frequency is adjusted based on progress.

Question 23

What's the difference between pharmacopuncture and regular acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Regular acupuncture stimulates acupoints to promote qi-blood circulation, while pharmacopuncture refines herbal compounds and injects them directly into acupoints. Pharmacopuncture combines the stimulus of acupuncture with the pharmacology of herbs, especially effective for inflammatory conditions.

Question 24

How do I take herbal medicine?

Accepted Answer

Herbal medicine is usually taken 30 minutes after meals.

Question 25

Are there side effects to herbal medicine?

Accepted Answer

When prescribed appropriately for your constitution and symptoms, side effects are very rare.

Question 26

Is herbal medicine bad for the liver?

Accepted Answer

The claim that herbal medicine harms the liver is a baseless misconception. In fact, many herbs have scientifically proven liver-protective effects. However, taking unsuitable herbs long-term can cause issues, so a doctor's diagnosis and prescription are essential.

Question 27

Is all herbal medicine expensive?

Accepted Answer

Herbal medicine is a personalized prescription blending natural herbs. The price reflects herb cost, quality control, and individual preparation. Geummaek uses Jeju-direct GAP-certified herbs, providing reasonable pricing for the quality. For some conditions, health insurance also applies, allowing affordable prescriptions.

Question 28

I find the bitter taste of herbs hard to bear

Accepted Answer

Modern herbal medicine uses various methods to improve taste — sweetening with herbs like licorice and jujube, alternative pill or powder forms, and adjusted intake temperatures make it much more comfortable.

Question 29

How long does herbal medicine take to work?

Accepted Answer

Acute symptoms (cold, acute pain, etc.) can show effects within 1–3 days. For chronic conditions or constitutional improvement, you typically feel changes from 2–4 weeks; consistent intake for 2–3 months is recommended for fundamental improvement.

Question 30

Can I take Korean and Western medicines together?

Accepted Answer

In most cases yes, but some drug interactions can occur. Please tell us at your visit if you are currently taking any medication. Geummaek prescribes safely considering Korean–Western medicine interactions.

Question 31

Can children take herbal medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pediatric prescriptions adjust dosage by age and weight. Geummaek uses only GMP-certified herbs that pass heavy metal and pesticide residue tests, so children can take them with peace of mind.

Treatment Guide

🏥 FAQs by Condition

Acupuncture & Pharmacopuncture

Cupping & Physical Therapy

Herbal Medicine

Chuna Therapy

Cost & Insurance

Other Treatments

💬 All FAQs 31questions